NFL Player News

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that he anticipates McCarthy (ankle) having a full week of prep before returning to a starting role Sunday in Detroit, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

McCarthy has been inactive for Minnesota's last five games while tending to a right high-ankle sprain, but he's displayed some progress ever since the Vikings' Week 6 bye. With the benefit of a longer turnaround this week following a loss to the Chargers last Thursday, McCarthy appears poised for full participation when the Vikings return to the practice field Wednesday. Veteran Carson Wentz had been productive while filling in for McCarthy in his first three starts, but he was inaccurate and turnover-prone in losses to the Eagles and Chargers the past two weeks while playing through an injury to his non-throwing shoulder that will now require season-ending surgery, leaving undrafted rookie Max Brosmer as the No. 2 option on the depth chart.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore informed Rattler that he will move into the No. 2 role at quarterback with Tyler Shough set to take over as the team's starting quarterback beginning with Sunday's game against the Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

After a 1-7 start to the season, the Saints are opting for a change under center. Despite a lackluster supporting cast, Rattler was reasonably efficient as a passer over his eight starts (68 percent completion rate, 6.2 yards per attempt), but he had been mistake-prone over his last two outings. In just over six and a half quarters of football in losses to the Bears and Buccaneers, the second-year QB took seven sacks, threw four interceptions and lost two fumbles. Unlike the undersized Rattler, Shough (6-foot-5, 219 pounds) offers an ideal frame as a pocket passer and solid arm strength to match it, but his lack of mobility and poor accuracy could render him a less interesting fantasy option.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore informed Shough that he will replace Spencer Rattler as the team's starting quarterback beginning with Sunday's game against the Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

A change at quarterback seemed inevitable after Rattler was benched for Shough midway through this past Sunday's 23-3 loss to the Buccaneers. After falling short in his bid for the starting job during training camp and the preseason, Shough, a second-round pick in April's draft, had come on in relief of Rattler in two games through the first eight weeks of the season, completing 17 of 32 passes for 128 yards, no touchdowns and one interception while adding 12 yards on three carries. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 219 pounds, Shough brings ideal size and a strong throwing arm, but he offers less rushing upside than Rattler and wasn't especially accurate in passer-friendly offenses at Texas Tech and Louisville during his collegiate career. The Saints could look to lean heavily on an Alvin Kamara-led ground attack to help ease the 26-year-old rookie in during his first NFL start.

Mahomes completed 25 of 34 pass attempts for 299 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 30 rushing yards on four attempts in Monday's 28-7 win over Washington.

Mahomes got off to a rocky start when he was picked off on Kansas City's first two offensive drives in Monday's primetime matchup. The resilient superstar settled in after halftime, rattling off three touchdown passes on consecutive drives out of the break. It was Mahomes' first start committing multiple turnovers this season, but it also was his third-straight appearance recording three scores for fantasy managers. The 29-year-old is putting up elite numbers again in 2025 after taking a step back over the previous two years. Mahomes checks in with 2,099 passing yards and 21 total touchdowns through eight starts as the Chiefs prepare to face Josh Allen and the Bills on Sunday in a Week 9 showdown of elite quarterbacks.

Mariota completed 21 of 30 passes for 213 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions while adding eight rushes for 28 yards in the Commanders' 28-7 loss to the Chiefs on Monday night. He also committed a fumble that was recovered by Washington.

Mariota put together another respectable stat line while filling in for Jayden Daniels (hamstring) for the third time this season, but he ultimately couldn't consistently move the Commanders down the field and short-circuited a pair of drives himself with interceptions. Mariota's first pick came on the opening possession on a pass that deflected off Deebo Samuel and landed in the hands of Mike Danna at the Chiefs' 22-yard line, while the second turnover unfolded at midfield with only 22 seconds remaining and the game well in hand for Kansas City. The veteran backup did connect with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) from 11 yards out just before halftime for his one scoring toss, and Mariota would get the call against a second consecutive tough defense Week 9 if Daniels isn't healthy enough to suit up for a Sunday night home matchup against the Seahawks.

Bazelak reverted to the Buccaneers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Bazelak was elevated from the practice squad for the first time this season ahead of Sunday's win over New Orleans but didn't see any action. His elevation appeared to be insurance since both Baker Mayfield and Teddy Bridgewater managed injuries during the week. Bazelak is unlikely to be elevated again following Tampa Bay's Week 9 bye unless at least one QB ahead of him on the depth chart is at risk of not being able to suit up.

Cook reverted to the Jets' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Cook was elevated to operate as the team's backup behind Justin Fields in Sunday's 39-38 win over the Bengals. The quarterback didn't enter the game, but he could be asked to join the active roster again in Week 10 if Tyrod Taylor (knee) remains sidelined after New York's Week 9 bye.

Zappe reverted to Cleveland's practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Zappe was elevated ahead of Sunday's Week 8 loss to New England with Shedeur Sanders inactive due to a back injury. However, Zappe didn't get into the game against his former team. The Browns are on bye Week 9, and Zappe's chances of being elevated Week 10 likely hinges on whether Sanders is able to return.

Hooker reverted to the Panthers' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Hooker was elevated to serve as Andy Dalton's backup in Sunday's 40-9 loss to the Bills, failing to enter the game. The quarterback could be elevated to the active roster again in Week 9 versus the Packers if Bryce Young (ankle) remains sidelined.

Stick reverted to the Falcons' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's official transaction log.

Stick operated as the team's backup quarterback behind Kirk Cousins in Sunday's 34-10 loss to Miami, failing to enter the game. The quarterback could be elevated to the active roster again in Week 9 versus the Patriots if Michael Penix (knee) remains unavailable.